Wednesday, October 29, 2008

When: any time 2 or more are involved in a dispute or a turn needs to be taken

Where: anywhere and everywhere

Why: I have precious little brain power and I don't need to waste it trying to remember who's turn it is to pick the movie or the Slush flavor during Happy Hour at Sonic. It decreases not only the number of fits, fights and fusses but the length of them regarding whose turn it is or pushing to be first or any number of things that my kids want to fight over.

How: assign a week to a child and rotate it. Choose alphabetically or chronologically or just start with the one that didn't ask to be first. I put Post It notes on a Monday to show the kids which week is theirs.

What for: attempt to save your sanity and it makes the little buggers feel special

If there is a choice to be made, I will ask the child. For example, thechild may choose where we go out for lunch or they may choose the game. They may go first or run an errand with me. I also use this week to assign the not-so-fun chore(s) to the child.

This is NOT an original idea of mine. A very wise homeschooling friend of mine with 4 kiddos made this suggestion a looooooonnnnnggg time ago. I finally implemented it. It has been really great! The little buggers even count down the days until it is their turn.

Maybe this idea will help cut down on the squabbles in your house... For more great ideas head on over to Rocks in My Dryer.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

My friend Bestbug has two boys that are amassing quite a K'NEX collection that was taking over the living room. After using a toolbox in order to store Ticklebug's Hotwheels , I suggested she use an empty large tackle box that I had laying around the house. She took me up on my offer and this is what she came up with. Isn't she clever? Makes me want to play with all the pretty colors!

The box came with several drawers/boxes but I purchased 2 extra at Walmart for a couple of bucks. They come with dividers that you can arrange to fit your pieces depending on how you prefer to sort them. Each has a secure snap top lid. There are many sizes and styles to choose from. I found the best selection of boxes to be at outdoor stores like Bass Pro Shop and Academy Sports. If you only have a small collection you could purchase just the small utility boxes.

An added benefit of having them stored and sorted seems to be that the kiddos play more with them once they can see what pieces they need more readily.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

I am always scouring magazines, books and other media sources for inexpensive (read cheap) ideas for streamlining our life. As a result I came across an idea to use over the door shoe pockets as an organizer for small items.

One is hooked on the back of my pantry door and it holds mostly medicines, dosage cups, tape, Swiffer refills and occasional art supplies. I like the high pockets because not only can I see what is in there but also the little buggers cannot reach it.

The other pocket in on the door out to the garage. I use it for things I might want to grab on the way out the door--seasonal items like umbrellas, hats, and mittens. BestBug, my friend, uses hers inside the coat closet for hats and outdoor items. You could use it for toiletry items in a bathroom closet, toys in a kid's room, art supplies or as a general catch-all for things needing a home.

I originally purchased one at the Container Store but the second one I purchased at Walmart or Target and I am perfectly happy with it.

Got any favorite organizing tricks of your own?

Head on over to Shannon for other great tips and ideas at Rocks in my Dryer.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Ticklebug is now 6 and is accumulating quite a few Hotwheels. Needless to say they aren't so "hot" when they are scattered on the floor in the middle of the room.

My solution is a plastic toolbox that he can store, organize and tote around if he so chooses. Because of the deep base he can also fit the car carrier in.

Talk about a good deal for $5 or $10! I got this in December at Home Depot but I can't find it on their website. This is a similar one. I would go for plastic rather than metal for the noise factor. Tool boxes come in all sizes so you could find a size that fits your collection.

If you need to keep him busy longer, turn it into a project of decorating it with stickers, paint or Sharpies-- depending of course on your level of sanity that day.

Welcome!

I have a great Husband of 10 years-- Daddybug. We are the proud parents of 3 little buggers-- Doodlebug (8), Ticklebug (6), and Snugglebug (3).
I am a SAHM who thinks every day should begin and/or end with a Diet Coke with vanilla from Sonic.